I stood up and told Zhong Yi to give me a moment alone. I needed to think. He nodded and stepped outside.
He's my first husband... well, he's not bad looking, I thought. But first, how do I get out of this palace? Think, Zhou Tianyi, think! And why exactly am I here?
Suddenly, an idea struck me. "Could it be...?" I muttered, looking at the empty air. "Hello? System? Are you there?"
Silence.
"Why does everyone else get a helpful system but me? Tch!" I shouted, "Where's my golden finger? Where is it?!"
The maids outside yelped in surprise. I winced, realizing how crazy I must sound. My throat was dry, so I grabbed a teacup to calm down—but my hands were shaking, and I dropped it.
Clang! Crack!
I instinctively bent down to pick up the shards, then stopped. Wait a minute. I'm a Crown Prince now. Why am I cleaning up?
"Fei Xiang! You Yu! Come in here and clean this up!" I commanded, recalling the names given to me by the Emperor—my father in this life.
As they opened the door, everything suddenly stopped.
Time froze. The falling petals outside the window hung motionless in the air.
"Hello, Zhou Tianyi."
I spun around. Fei Xiang and You Yu's eyes glowed with a strange light. They spoke in perfect unison.
"Greetings, mortal. I am Xiao Tian, God of Space."
"Who are you? God of what?" I stammered, trying to keep my cool.
Xiao Tian smiled. "I am the one who brought you here. You are currently 18 years old, the Crown Prince of the Zhou Empire. In this world, the power system is called 'Ling Gan' or Soul Core. It is divided into six ranks: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Fire, Heaven, and Soul. Each rank has stages: Realm I, II, III, Peak IV, and Apex. The Soul rank is legendary—no one on this planet has achieved it... yet."
"And what is my power?" I asked, curious despite myself.
Xiao Tian chuckled. "You possess the ability to lay eggs... just like the villain in that novel. However, you can also absorb a portion of the abilities of those you share intimacy with. We call this 'Ying Hua'—Petal Absorption."
"I already know that," I rolled my eyes. "I read the book, remember? You brought me here just because we share the same name, right?"
"Precisely," Xiao Tian nodded. "I searched for a soul compatible with this world, and yours matched perfectly. But I am giving you a chance to change your fate."
"Let me explain the other powers," the god continued. "Awakenings include Elemental Control, Transformation, Beast Taming, Healing, and Mind Control. These are rare and unique, though some are more common among royalty."
"So, what's the deal?" I crossed my arms. "Why am I here?"
Xiao Tian's expression turned serious. "You have a choice, Zhou Tianyi. Stay here and carve your own path in this world... or return to Earth and face the death that awaits you there."
I hesitated, then grinned. "What do I get if I stay?"
"I will grant you a head start," Xiao Tian said. "A second ability, in addition to Petal Absorption."
"Really? Can I choose?"
"Of course. But remember—your choices shape your destiny."
"I want the ability to see everything," I declared confidently. "The Appraisal Eyes!"
"An excellent choice, mortal."
The two maids floated towards me. Before I could react, they placed their hands over my eyes.
"Wait! What are you—AHHH!"
Agony shot through my skull. It felt like a thousand needles were being stabbed into my eyeballs. I screamed, collapsing to my knees. Then, just as suddenly, it stopped.
I fell forward, gasping. When I opened my eyes, time resumed. The maids were standing normally, looking at me with concern. I looked at them, and suddenly, translucent windows appeared in my vision:
Fei Xiang
- Gender: Female
- Age: 19
- Ling Gan: Silver Realm I (Elemental Control - Water)
-Position: Maid ,Fighter
- Skill: Boxing (Veteran I),Cleaning (Master I)
You Yu
- Gender: Female
- Age: 20
- Ling Gan: Silver Realm II (Healing eyes)*
-Position: Maid , Healer
- Skill: Medicine (master II)
"Whoa... amazing," I breathed.
"Bring me a mirror!" I ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness."
When I looked into the bronze mirror, I gasped. I was gorgeous—even more so than in my past life. I had striking amber eyes, long flowing brown hair, and skin as pale as pearls.
"I didn't know I could look this handsome!" I exclaimed, touching my own face.
The maids exchanged glances. Their master felt different today, but at least he wasn't scolding them. As I looked at myself, my own status window appeared:
*Zhou Tianyi
- Gender: Male
- Age: 18
- Ling Gan: Fire Realm I (- Petal Absorption)
- Title: Master of the Paper Doom League (Intelligence Network)
- Position: Crown Prince of the Zhou Empire
- Skill: Archery (Master IV), Seduction (Master V)
- appraisal eye (hidden ability)
"Oh wow, I'm actually strong?" I muttered.
"Is something wrong, Your Highness?"
"Nothing! I just realized... I'm quite powerful."
"Indeed, Your Highness," one maid bowed. "You are already very strong for your age."
"Right! I'm only 18 and already at Fire Realm... Call Zhong Yi here. I need to speak with him."
"Your Highness, you also need to attend the Morning Court today," the maid reminded me gently.
"Ah right, they have that here," I sighed. "You may leave. I need to change."
"Your Highness... we are usually the ones who help you dress," they said, bowing low to the ground, afraid they had displeased me.
"Wait, stand up, both of you!" I waved my hand. "I mean... go prepare water for me to wash my face first, okay?"
Sheesh, being a prince is complicated, I thought. Well, I was a rich, spoiled brat back home too. I guess I'll get used to it.